Some things just make more sense when we can see them done.
Here is a picture tutorial of the steps in this simple guild logo name tag block
First thing you need to do is cut out the 4 paper piece sections of the guild logo block that came printed on the pattern page in your kit!
- make sure to leave generous amounts around each piece - we will trim this down later.
Next - take a post card or thin template plastic like I have shown below - using a straight edge and fold on both angled lines. This will make the next step easier...
Once you have folded them back - its time for a little dab of glue
- the fold marks we just made make it easier to see where to glue only onto the number one triangle spot, then lay the dark purple fabric 3.5 inches x 2 inches (4 included in kit) right side up onto the paper where you just dabbed glue.
A bit of trimming is needed at this point.. flip back over to the paper side...fold back on your previously folded lines
Once this is done open the paper back out and place one of your triangle pieces from your kit (8 included in kit) right side down onto the purple fabric lining up the diagonal edge with the diagonal cut you made in the purple fabric.
Flip the fabric over to have the paper facing up and place it under the presser foot to sew the first diagonal line between Purple 1 and Mauve 2. Now I don't pin anything at this stage because I find the fabric holds pretty well - if a pin makes you feel more comfortable then by all means go ahead and use one. Just be sure to do it on the paper side so it can be removed when you are sewing. Shorten your stitch length to fairly tight, this will make removing the paper later much easier :)
Now - sew right on the line!
Make sure to go a little beyond the line on each end.
This will allow for pressing without tugging the stitches out of line. Gently press triangle up.
Fold back the paper like you did before and trim to 1/4 inch from fold.
Add the second triangle piece from your kit...
Time to sew on the line again - sew the line between Purple 1 and Mauve 3.
Press the triangle up again on this side.
Now its time to add the last piece. Fold at the straight line between Mauve 3 and Pink 4. Trim to 1/4 inch an then add Pink Square (not all kits will have specifically pink squares they could be light purples but there are only 4 of these small 2 inch x 2 inch squares in each kit)/
Make sure its right side down.
Sew on the line again!
Iron square open. Now we can trim up!!
Trim 1/4 inch all around the block. Measuring from the lines around the pattern
Now we are ready to piece the block together - you will need the one white square (2.5 inches x 2.5 inches) that came with your kit. the picture below show the eventual placement of each piece.
Take your first paper-pieced unit and remove the paper...
The paper will tear easily along the needle hole perforations... but don't tug to hard on any stubborn pieces. Just come at them from a different side and all will peel away quite easily.
Eventually you will be left with a naked piece..we want to be careful with this piece as we are now dealing with bias edges and the paper was keeping these all nice and true. Once we get them sewed to the square all will be stable again.
Place this paper-pieced unit right side down on the white square lining up the little square with the edge. And this is the confusing part for this piece only - just sew only the pink square or a tiny bit beyond. This will become clear later. Carefully press open. The unit you have now created is as pictured below - one side is completely flush and the other side is longer. This is correct.
Get your next paper-pieced unit and sew it right sides together to the right side as shown in the placement below. Sew the entire seam this time.
Press this seam open...
- remembering the top seam is still only partially sewn and will say this way until the last step.
Continue adding the paper-pieced blocks around as pictured.
When sewing on the last strip I pin the half sewn strip up out of the way. This last piece will be 1/4 inch bigger than the white square - this is exactly correct!
When you sew this last square on you will be left with what is below
I am showing this from the back as well so you can see that partial seam that we need to finish now. So go ahead and sew this closed now. You will see how to fit it together.
THEN...... VOILA!! you are done.
You can embroider or add your name to the centre square in whatever manner you like. Your kit comes with a batting square and optional pocket piece as well as backing square. Follow the rest of the instructions in your kit for finishing your name tag. You can skip step 10 in the kit instructions - we have added a pin instead of ribbon that way you can pin your name tag or pin it to a lanyard as desired.
Congrats on your new Thunder Bay Quilters Guild Logo Name Tag!!!!
